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The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation announced the Major League Baseball great Tony La Russa will be the keynote speaker at the organization's 20th annual benefit dinner being held Thursday, May 30, 2013 at the Julia Morgan Ballroom, San Francisco. La Russa will join with hundreds of insurance professionals celebrating California's philanthropic tradition and the industry's commitment to community.

La Russa boasts a distinguished career in Major League Baseball. As manager of the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals, LaRussa is the third-winningest MLB manager in history, managing teams to six league championships and three World Services titles. In addition to his professional sporting success, La Russa is an active philanthropist, founding the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). ARF works to save abandoned and injured animals and coordinates pet visitation programs for abused children, hospital patients, and seniors.

"IICF is so proud to have been founded in California. Celebrating 20 years of grants, volunteer service and leadership, IICF has been able to make a marked impact in our community.

As a recognizable Californian philanthropist, we are delighted to have Mr. La Russa join the celebration of the California's philanthropic tradition," said Connie Taylor-McCray, IICF Western Division Chair and Los Angeles Branch Vice President, CNA.

Nonprofit Fred Finch Youth Center will also be honored as recipient of an IICF special grant for their Turning Point Program that assists homeless youth through housing support, vocational and educational linkages, and mental health services.

Additionally, IICF will also recognize the Chapman Charitable Foundation with the inaugural Golden Horizon Award for outstanding philanthropic contributions and industry leadership. Terry Chapman, Founder of Chapman Insurance will accept the award.

The IICF annual benefit dinner provides an opportunity for professionals from across the industry to come together in a united philanthropic effort, raising vital funds for local nonprofits. Proceeds from the evening will benefit local nonprofits through the Foundation's community grants program. To date, the Industry Foundation has contributed over $19.6 million and 166,000 volunteer service hours to hundreds of community organizations.